Aerodynamics was the buzzword in the automotive industry of the 1980s. Topic in the pub were not only horsepower numbers, but Cw values. A key role was played by the year 1982: Three new models ensured optical sensation. Audi sold with the second generation of the 100 is an exclamation point, while the Mercedes 190 with fans of the brand led to heated discussions. The third man was, after all of that car, which debuted in September 1982, that is almost exactly three decades, at the Paris Motor Show: the Ford Sierra.
Radical change
Greater contrast to its predecessor could not have been. A relatively unsophisticated notchback sedan followed a rotund hatchback with a drag coefficient of 0.34. Integrated bumpers and headlamps provided a futuristic appearance of the five-door model with "Aero-tail" as Ford called it the modern rear. And finally the name: instead of sounding petty bourgeois "Taunus" suddenly shone the cosmopolitan "Sierra" at the rear. After all offered under the hood is a largely familiar sight: a naturally aspirated diesel engine with 67 hp from 2.3 liters and 150 hp gasoline engine with 75 to four or six cylinders.
One for all
History does not repeat itself? Oh, yes: Even in the development of the Sierra end of the 1970s the world today propagated auto thought was on the plan. A total of four design studios from Cologne to Detroit gathered their ideas for the new middle class, then still Tarngründen from "Linda" called. The lady with many fathers finally followed "Toni", the final Sierra Development in Cologne. Rumors of an unusual design wafted through the press, at the IAA in September 1981, the study sample III quite seriennah wherever the wind blows.
Six sells
The Geneva Motor Show in March 1983 ignited the Ford Sierra initially strongest level: In the only three-door XR4i offered a 2.8-liter six-cylinder caused by injection and 150 hp for decent performance. Today is likely the German diesel-nation mild smile about, but at the time top 210 and 8.4 seconds from zero to hundred were still real announcements. So it's no surprise that Ford announced in XR4i brochure: "Find out what is driving" and the sports-Sierra even approached the role of the Capri-heirs.
Gives you wings
Back to the present: There he stands before us in the flesh, the power-Sierra that era. Today seems to be not so unusual circular design as before, but rather factual and balanced. Still does not hold a viewer the Sierra for a classic car. Thus, the 'wow' factor is only on closer reflection: The king of old plastic is ready for the H-mark? But may be not! Who is really getting old: we, or Ford? Spontaneously, the eye hanging on the front end and almost closed the wide headlamps. This futuristic features were reserved until March 1985 only the XR4i and luxurious Ghia trim level. And only this tail: In the large rear hatch sits a stout double spoiler brand fries counter. But even that could beat Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was the later more wing work used. Original is not entirely our XR4i, RS alloy wheels replace the original Alus with slippers of the format 195/60 VR14. Yes, you heard right: 14 inches. On a sports model.
Advanced details
The interior shows us more than clear that the automaker true then cut down forests of plastic trees. Gray prevails in gray, but the center console is inclined towards the driver. Our eyes steer away with various details: the crank about the sunroof or the still-functioning warning display for open doors. In 1983 was something more impressive than all of today's assistance systems together. Rather bizarre, however, is the presence of an electric mirror adjustment, must be cranked while all the windows.
The sound of music
After turning the ignition key to the thin wakes V6 under the hood to life. And that is to be taken literally. No insulated to stop whispering or a soundscape from the laboratory enters the ear. The 2.8-liter engine seething to himself, can literally feel every single part of the aggregate. "Los propelled me" seems to call for the machine. No problem, we provide gas and sort out a bit inaccurate, but exactly snap five gears. Join our Sierra XR4i always sounds faster than he is, also the car is confident every pothole. The solution: Ford has driven us to the museum car donated lowering plus sports exhaust and headers. Normal driving and early upshifts the XR4i hardly seems snappy. That changes when you request more speed: 3,800 rpm are available from the maximum 216 Newton meters. In good German: Then goes off the post. Accompanied the whole is of a more bassy sound with mild V8 note. After some time, thanks to the XR4i begins transmission to the rear wheels make it really fun. Back at the parking lot, we take a broad grin on his face, the thin doors shut.
Rarely become
A long career was the XR4i denied in 1985 the successor to the beach followed named XR4x4. Him there were either five-door or estate. Only towards the end of the Sierra model the abbreviation XR4i was revived as equipment line. A little-known episode is the sale of XR4i 1985 to 1989 in the U.S. under the brand name Mercury. A rare piece of built in South Africa Sierra XR8 stayed with an eight-cylinder, only 250 copies thereof arose. That the entire Sierra range was better: After two facelifts the counter was in 1993 at 2,700,500 units built stand. Nowadays, it is already difficult to find a well-preserved Sierra, from XR4i to mention. Only about 80 copies are to be allowed in Germany yet. That necessitates patience in the search, but it will be worth it when you reach the next Old timer rally the 911 riders.
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